Essential Requirements of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education University ...

The student must have the cognitive abilities necessary to master relevant content in basic science andclinical courses at a level deemed appropriate by the faculty. These skills may be described as the abilityto comprehend, memorize, analyze and synthesize material and to do so in a timely manner. He/she mustbe able to discern and comprehend dimensional and spatial relationships of structures, and be able todevelop reasoning and decision making skills appropriate to the practice of prosthetics-orthotics.The student must have the ability to take and document, in a patient’s record, an appropriate history, andperform a physical examination. Such tasks require the ability to communicate with the patient andfamily. The student must also be capable of perceiving the signs of disease, especiallyneuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, as manifested through the physical examination. Such information isderived from observation and palpation of the body surfaces. The student must have the ability to discernskin, subcutaneous masses, muscles, bones, and joints.A major component of the practice of prosthetics-orthotics is the assessment and management ofmovement disorders. Therefore, the student must have the ability, within reasonable limits, to safely assista patient in moving, for example, from a chair to a bed.The student must also have the ability to move him- or herself and the patient in three-dimensional spacein order to perform motor function tests. Additionally, the student must be able to ensure the physicalsafety of a patient at all times.The student must be able to communicate effectively with patients and family, physicians and othermembers of the health care team. The communication skills require the ability to assess all informationincluding the recognition of the significance of non-verbal communication, and immediate assessment ofinformation provided to allow for appropriate, well-focused patient care. The student must be capable ofresponsive, empathetic listening to establish rapport in a way that promotes openness on issues of concernand sensitivity to potential cultural differences.The student must be able to understand the basis and content of ethical prosthetics-orthotics practice.He/she must possess attributes, which include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, responsibilityand tolerance. He/she must have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt toan environment, which may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways.The student must have sufficient body muscle coordination to practice safe use of hand and machine toolsnecessary for technical implementation in the fabrication process.These essential functions of prosthetic-orthotics education identify the requirements for admission,retention and graduation of applicants and students respectively at the University of Washington Divisionof Prosthetics-Orthotics. Graduates are expected to be qualified to enter the prosthetic-orthotic profession.It is the responsibility of the student with disabilities to request those accommodations that he/she feelsare reasonable and are needed to execute the essential requirements described.